Six Generation Farm in the Burr Oak Bottom

Published: May 8, 2012

Original Presentation- May 8, 2012 Big Muddy Speaker Series in Rocheport

“Six Generation Farm in the McBaine Bottom” –by Boone County farmer John Sam Williamson, who farms in the McBaine bottom near Huntsdale

John Sam Williamson’s family has been farming the McBaine bottoms along the Missouri River for six generations. They’ve fought floods, droughts and the changes of the river while taking care of the rich bottomland and growing food for the country.

There’s a lot going on in the McBaine bottoms, including Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, the Columbia Water Treatment Plant and well field and the much revered site of the state record bur oak tree, which Williamson and his family have been taking care of for generations. Williamson is also the president of the McBaine Levee and Drainage District and treasurer of the Boone County Fire Protection District.

John shared some of his family history in the area and bring the story to the present, where changes in the management of the Missouri River mean changes in the ways farmers deal with levees.

photo by Kristen Coleman – from the Big Tree in McBaine facebook page

 


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The Big Muddy Speaker Series in Rocheport

is hosted by these wonderful partners.

Special thanks to Les Bourgeois Vineyards for giving us the opportunity to use their beautiful space overlooking the Missouri River. All speakers are presenting for free! Thank you all for sharing your knowledge with us! Click here for a list of upcoming presentations» The Big Muddy Speaker Series also takes place monthly in Kansas City and St. Charles.

The Big Muddy Speaker Series is partially funded by the Columbia Ecological Services Field Office (USFWS) and the Mo. Dept. of Conservation.


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